Collaboration 5

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Permalink Reply by Rachel Welch on October 30, 2011 at 9:12pm

Water~

My real world problem is water. The studnets have to learn about water and the water cycle.

 

So I have them research and pick a country that has too much water and one that has too little water. (this is done in groups)  The students research these countries and their uses of water.  In order to provide guidance we give them the attached research sheet.

 

The students then take this information and create a newscast presenting the information to the class.

 

The tools that they use include: cameras, video cameras, computers, websites for research, research sheet, etc.

The students manage their own learning and progress through the group work and they use the studnet/teacher created rubric to help guide them throughout the process.

 

I am sure you have questions and suggestions, this is just my rough attempt at getting this started.

Attachments:

• water research sheet.docx, 10 KB

Permalink Reply by Christine on October 31, 2011 at 7:08am

I think this sounds really good - a heck of a lot better than mine.  I think including some sort of intro about water as a resource would be a good thing.  Sharing some examples of places that don't have access to enough water, why they don't, etc.  I am thinking maybe there are some good videos in discovery education, or possibly some already created webquests online.  I googled and found a few online, but many are on water quality.  I like to quickly make a version of a webquest using Power Point and Hyperlinks, and getting them set up on the kids computers.  It is an easy way without using real website development. You could even create the "shell" of one and take a screen shot to put in your portfolio as a sample! :)

Permalink Reply by Rachel Welch on October 31, 2011 at 7:01pm

Great ideas and suggestions thanks!

 

Permalink Reply by Christine on October 31, 2011 at 7:00am

Wow - this is a hard one!!  A total shot in the dark

Maybe I could something with Map Skills.  All kids have to know how to use/read a map, need to know what a key is as well as NSEW... I could do something with a GPS in an iPod for a scavenger hunt, or maybe they are even creating the hunt and have to write correct instructions and draw a map for others to find their object? They could have the option of using a voice recorder too. They can be as creative as they want giving the directions, but the students have to find the "treasure".  They can collect findings; meaning - how hard was it to give someone else directions, what happens if you even leave out one simple step, how detailed do you have to communicate instructions with someone? This would be them assessing their own progress...

I don't know! I am really reaching here!

 

Permalink Reply by Rachel Welch on October 31, 2011 at 7:00pm

Great idea! For the beginning when you are teaching map skills or want independent practice, or even create their own map try http://www.mrnussbaum.com/mapmaker2/index.html this is a really cool site.

 

You could even add some google earth to your whole group lessons, the kids love that! Especially if you show them their house or the school.

The GPS is a great idea and would be something that many of them are familar with.

If you decide to go with this I have some cute map stuff that I would be glad to send you, maybe you could use or modify some of it.